SOUND OFF: About publishing the name of a man who tried to jump off a bridge

" The freeman never reports the persons name when they succeed in jumping so why on earth do they need to report it when he doesn't succeed? Obviousley this man has some issues and the last thing he needs is to have his name in the paper. "

joeydog wrote on Dec 19, 2010 9:28 AM:

" Great job officer Sykes. But i agree whererwif, why is the name reported. The police never should have released the name. This man is no criminal, this man needs help. Not only the name, but also his address, there s NO reason for this. "

zoeygirl wrote on Dec 19, 2010 10:10 AM:

" I couldnt agree more with the first two comments, why is that chief releasing the name of this poor man. And thats not bad enough, he gives out the name of the person that called. Why is the name of the caller important to the public,isn t anything in that police department confidential.If anyone calls the ulster police department for help, should we expect to read our names in the paper the next day. I think the chief needs the help. "

" Another "normal" day in the life of a cop, thank you officer Sykes you folks are the greatest.
The public does not need to know EVERYTHING, we need to keep these names confidential. "

barnaby wrote on Dec 19, 2010 12:42 PM:

" Hey chief taggart. Did this poor man have any children ? Why don't you report their names too. The chief shouldn't have reported the name, and the freeman shouldn't have printed it.
And how about reporting who called too !! Is there anything you forgot chief?? ..in spite of the chief... Great job to the Officer. "

nomercyangel wrote on Dec 19, 2010 2:15 PM:

" My heart goes out to his family. It seems like every holiday season there are some people who feel the desperation in their lives and seek ways to end it. Thank you and kudos to the officer who saved the man's life. The foiled jumper has a second chance with help from mental health proessionals. It sure doesn't help to have the man's name printed.Police might have to record the name but the Freeman could have chosen not to reveal his name. I didn't need to know his name. Only needed to know that his life was saved. "

ROOTS69 wrote on Dec 19, 2010 2:23 PM:

" In responce to Wherewif ,Iwould have to say that the reason the Freeman dosn,t report the names of those who suceed in jumping is out of respect for the families.And I aiso agree that the Freeman should not release the names and adresses of those who are stopped or don,t suceed.And BRAVO to the officer who stopped the man. (Again great job). "

Lisa wrote on Dec 19, 2010 9:54 PM:

" The officier did a great job, they save lives everyday just not in such a dramatic fashion. However, as many have said before--shame on the Freeman for posting the name of the man who attempted to jump. I don't care how they got the information. Not only is this an issue of ethics...I believe this is a matter of HIPPA compliance. Mental Health is still HEALTH. The Freeman posted someone's personal health information online. At this point it has been read over 1700 times. That's one BIG leg to stand on if someone wanted to file a lawsuit. Freeman-Admit your wrongdoing and remove it NOW! "

I'm going to ask around the news department, because I don't think these concerns and complaints have been addressed, at least publicly. You might not like what we have to say, but at least I want you to know why we do what we do.